Interview with Michael Capuano, IOC’s Senior Urban Leadership Fellow
A twenty year member of Congress and former Mayor of Somerville, Representative Michael Capuano has begun his post as a senior urban leadership fellow at the Initiative on Cities. In this interview, he shares how his previous experiences are transferable to his current role at the IOC, the impact he plans to have on the MetroBridge program, and other involvements.
Where did your passion and commitment for advancing the needs and interests of urban areas first arise?
MC: I grew up in an area that was very urban and it was overlooked by most because it was a small city. I understood early on that we were on our own and no one was going to come in from the outside on a white horse and save us. As a result of this, it is all about having those who live in urban areas stand up for themselves and take care of themselves and not wait for someone else to help.